FIREFIGHTERS discovered a cannabis farm after a blaze at house in Whitecross.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a property on Collin Street shortly before 7am on Saturday, June 22.

Flames had been reported coming through the roof of the home, but none of the occupants were present.

Firefighters forced entry to the premises and discovered that it was being used as a cannabis farm – with more than 150 plants growing inside being seized after Cheshire Police were alerted of the find.

No arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident, with the force’s enquiries ongoing.

Warrington Guardian:

Chief inspector Simon Meegan said: “We are pleased to have removed a significant quantity of cannabis from the streets of Warrington as we are fully aware of the negative impact illegal drug use and supply can have on communities.

“The house contained a large number of cannabis plants and equipment to maximise the amount of class B drugs being cultivated.

“As proven in this case, properties being used to grow cannabis present a fire hazard.

“Thankfully, the fire did not spread to other properties and no-one was injured as a result of the fire.

Warrington Guardian:

“The consequences of this incident could have been far worse.

“We want people in Warrington to be safe and feel safe in their community and we are committed to doing all we can to put a stop to this sort of activity.

“But we need the public to play their part too by reporting any suspicions of properties being used as cannabis farms or any other illegal drug-related activity to the police.”

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Warrington Guardian:

Four fire engines attended the scene on Saturday morning, with an aerial platform also used in order to tackle the blaze.

Neighbouring properties were also checked by firefighters in order to ensure that the fire had not spread.

Anyone with is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML434909, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.